After a couple of days resting at the Shangri-La in Cairns, I was ready for another dive adventure. I booked myself on the Spirit of Freedom, a 124 foot live aboard dive vessel. After the Arenui, I was ready for a let down, but in truth, I enjoyed the Spirit of Freedom very much. The Spirit of Freedom is the only dive liveaboard on the Great Barrier Reef where every cabin has its own bathroom! We each had our own little “cubby” for our dive equipment, and ample room for cameras and gear. Not luxurious, but it was a great boat. The crew of the Spirit of Freedom were awesome, especially the Cruise Director, Ren! Unlike the Arenui in Indonesia, the divers on the Spirit of Freedom had the choice of whether or not to go with a Dive Master. Each buddy group could go on their own if they so desired. As a solo diver, I went with the Dive Master, and so had a small dive group of four, which I like best anyway…unless I am in a spot well known to me. Dive Masters know where all the cool animals and creatures are, so I usually prefer to head off with them.
Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor
All of these photos are from my very first dive on the Great Barrier Reef! Til next post!
A
Yes that Lion Fish is rather regal–and it looks like he knows it!
Oh, it knows. They are indigenous to the Pacific and Indian oceans, so we’ll let it strut!
These photos are just a huge “wow!” The giant clam and the cuttlefish are favorites, but some of the others are amazing, too! What kind of U/W camera and lens are you using to be able to get the close-up pix? I am so envious… Wish I could dive in some of the amazing places you have had the privilege of going!
Debbra Dunning Brouillette recently posted…Scuba diving on Looe Key Reef, Florida Keys: a sanctuary for sea life
Thank you! I am using a Canon G15 with a Recsea Housing. I have a wide angle lens, and a macro lens, but most of these photos didn’t use the macro. You have to get CLOSE! Let’s go dive somewhere! I’m doing Raja Ampat in February, so excited!
Just looked up where that is! So remote! I imagine that is a really long trip to make! Liveaboard or ? I’ve not dived in Indonesia but then I haven’t dived in many of the locations you have! It would be a pleasure to dive with you…maybe someday! Happy travels in February!
Debbra Dunning Brouillette recently posted…Scuba diving on Looe Key Reef, Florida Keys: a sanctuary for sea life
Yes, very remote. It took 30+ hours to travel to Cairns from Komodo National Park! Both of my trips were liveaboards.
Tam, so much has been written about what bad shape the Great Barrier Reef is in, but your pictures belie those gloomy statements. What is your impression of the health of the reef?
The Great Barrier Reef is definitely in trouble. The photos look good, and some spots are okay, but there are so many coral skeletons. I have heard there is a 95% chance it will be gone in 20 years…I don’t know. Indonesia was much, much healthier.
Wonderful. As usual. Thanks.
You are so welcome! It makes me happy if they bring you a smile or a little peace!